History

Founded over 75 years ago as the New Jersey Gasoline Retailers Association & Allied Trades, Inc. (NJGRA), our organization has been a leading small business advocate in New Jersey and beyond.

Throughout our history, the organization has had many policy accomplishments, including:

Architect of NJ Franchise Act

Protects small business service stations

Enables your small business to be sold for the value of your sweat equity

Allows your small business to be passed to your family

Architect of Petroleum Marketing Practices Act (PMPA)

Federal authorities used the NJ Franchise Act as a national model protecting small businesses across America

Architect of the “Underground Storage Tank (UST) Trust Fund“

Allows small businesses to fund environmental improvements rather than face business shutdown

Defends against raising gasoline taxes numerous times when government again picks our pockets

During the 80’s and 90’s, under the leadership of Executive Director Jerry M. Ferrara, NJGRA became a formidable presence in Trenton and Washington, D.C. Jerry’s no-nonsense approach in advocating for small businesses won him praise from friends and foes alike.

Our Association Today : NJGCA

In 2007, the Board of Directors selected Sal Risalvato as the organization’s new Executive Director, a longtime small business advocate and political operative.

In acknowledging the changing nature of the industry, Sal set out to reshape the association, beginning with rebranding the organization as the New Jersey Gasoline-C-Store-Automotive Association (NJGCA). The name change reflects a growing trend in which many retailers have opened a convenience store at their stations in order to better serve motorists and consumers.

Though our name has changed, our core mission continues: To serve small business owners and defend the small business community.

NJGCA takes a multifaceted approach to serve our small business members, including:

Advocating for effective public policies with legislators and state officials in Trenton

Offering essential small business services to our members, often at a discounted price to help you reach maximum profitability

Informing and educating members on industry matters

Enhancing general awareness and projecting a positive image of our members to the general public, media, and Legislature

Promoting the highest levels of ethical standards and professionalism among members

Today, NJGCA represents over 1,500 small business owners who serve the motoring public in the gasoline service station, convenience store, and automotive repair industries. Our members also include car washes, tire vendors, car dealerships, automotive parts dealers, financial services companies, fuel distributors, lubricant vendors, business management companies and much more!